Moto X4 hands-on: Familiar name, entirely different phone

Andrew is the Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central. He has been a mobile enthusiast since the Windows Mobile days, and covering all things Android-related with a unique perspective at AC since 2012. For suggestions and updates, you can reach him at andrew.martonik@androidcentral.com or on Twitter at @andrewmartonik.

How much benefit of the doubt can a beloved name buy you?

Fans of Motorola, or just Android in general, typically look back on the Moto X series of phones fondly. Despite their issues, the few iterations of Moto X (the first two, in particular) still feel like the perfect example of what Motorola could bring to the Android world. "Moto X" was synonymous with being greater than the sum of its parts, and offering an experience that was wonderful despite not having the absolute latest specs and piles of features.

When rumors started to swirl of a return of the Moto X line, the hype was instantly ignited. For all of the success of the Moto G line and the ambition of the Moto Z line, Motorola fans just wanted a new Moto X — and hopefully, one that was a true continuation of what made its predecessors so intriguing.

So now, closing in quickly on the end of 2017, we have it: the Moto X4.

Moto X4 Hands-on video

For a quick live look at the Moto X4, be sure to watch our hands-on video above. We have the phone in-hand and in both colors, so it's worth a look! After that, read on for the rest of our impressions in the complete hands-on preview.

Moto X4 Hardware and features

Think of a Moto Z2 Play. Now add a curved glass back and a huge camera apparatus at the top — you now have a Moto X4. Sure that's a little reductionist, but not far off. Whether it's the increasingly iterative releases of Moto G devices, the lower-end Moto E line or even the top-end Moto Z2 Force, all of Motorola's phones look very similar visually. Particularly on the front, where you would be hard-pressed to differentiate at a glance between any Moto phone released in the last two years.

Even with a new curved glass back, the Moto X4 looks like any other modern Motorola phone.

With that front-on similarity across the lineup, the back is where the Moto X4 actually manages to stand out, if only a little bit. The pane of Gorilla Glass 3 coats the entirety of the back, curving off of the long edges just like most other glass-backed phones today. That curve isn't super dramatic in how much it cuts into the metal frame of the phone, but still provides much-improved ergonomics over your typical flat-backed Moto Z. The quality of the combination of glass and metal is far beyond what you'd expect considering this phone's €399 price — it felt indistinguishable from what Motorola is charging $720 for in the Moto Z2 Force.

The proper way to separate a Moto X4 from the crowd is to find one in this super-cool "Sterling Blue" color. The light textured pattern underneath the glass (present on both colors) really pops in blue, and it's matched up with a blue-tinted frame and blue surrounding the front of the phone. It's a fingerprint magnet and is honestly a little distracting on the front, but the way the colors shift and change from dark blue to a lighter shade and even to a light grey in some cases is very interesting.

With just a 5.2-inch display up front — a 1080p LCD, by the way — the Moto X4 certainly harkens back to its predecessors in terms of keeping compact and easy to manage in one hand. Coming in even smaller than the Moto G5 series, it's refreshing to have a phone you can easily swipe around and reach all corners without contorting your hand in some crazy way. At 165 grams it's heavy for the size, too, so you really get a feeling of a well-balanced and properly crafted phone.

Perhaps surprisingly, this lower-end phone also has two features the just-announced high-end Moto Z2 Force doesn't: a headphone jack, and compete IP68 water resistance. It also has a larger battery at 3000mAh — though it of course comes at the cost of being nearly two millimeters thicker than its high-end counterpart. That's a trade-off many people will be willing to take, particularly those who enjoyed a previous Moto X.

Moto X4 Software, specs and cameras

The software is what truly differentiated the first Moto X from the rest of the industry, bringing new features and a fresh take with a "less is more" strategy that we just didn't see back in 2013 and 2014. But now, Motorola has turned those core tenets into something you get from every phone it makes — and that means it just isn't all that special anymore.

But just because we're so used to Motorola's software experience doesn't mean it isn't still fantastic and a critical selling point of the Moto X4. It's clean, simple and includes just a few tweaks and additions that are useful without ever getting in your way. Motorola has fantastic ambient lock screen, a handful of gestures you will use every single day and a distinct lack of unnecessary or duplicate apps. It's just great, and it just works.

In my brief time (roughly an hour) using the Moto X4 in a demo environment, it seems like the Snapdragon 630 and 3GB of RAM will be more than capable of running Motorola's software on a 1080p display. And considering how well the Moto Z2 Play performs with very similar specs, I don't have any worries about the Moto X4 offering a great daily software experience — by mid-range or even flagship standards.

The Moto X4 also supports the exact same Amazon Alexa experience that debuted on the HTC U11 earlier this year. That is to say it's a software-only virtualized Echo on your phone — it can do just about everything the hardware can, including always listening for your voice commands. Amazon fans, rejoice. Everyone else, keep using Google Assistant.

Forgive me for choosing to be bearish on a Motorola camera.

For as good as Motorola's software is, its cameras have consistently been mediocre. The Moto X4 is doing something new, taking a page out of LG's playbook to go with a pair of cameras: one standard, one wide-angle. The secondary camera even has the same field of view as LG's last few wide-angle cameras: 120 degrees. It's in front of an 8MP sensor (1-micron pixels, f/2.2 aperture), while the main camera has much better specs: 12MP, 1.4-micron pixels, f/2.0 aperture and dual pixel auto focus. No optical image stabilization (OIS), though.

Testing a camera takes far more time than I was offered with the Moto X4, but it seems to have the components necessary to be a capable shooter. And seeing how little the secondary camera (and its associated blur effects) added to the Moto Z2 Force's cause, I'm happy to see the secondary wide-angle shooter here to give us a fun new way to shoot. But you'll have to forgive me for choosing to be bearish on a Motorola camera — it's lost the benefit of the doubt at this point.

Moto X4 Hands-on preview

If Motorola rolled out this exact phone with a different name, like "Moto G5 Premium" or something, nobody would blink. From front to back, inside and out, the Moto X4 just feels like Yet Another Modern Motorola Phone™. That doesn't mean it's a bad device, or not worth the money Motorola is charging here. To the contrary, actually — it looks like the Moto X4 is a really solid mid-range package with great hardware, most of the specs and features people want in this price range and a pair of cameras that may even be above-average. And it still offers that tried-and-true Motorola software that we all hold in such high regard.

The Moto X4 is arguably the best Moto X yet — but it sure isn't exciting.

But what the Moto X4 doesn't have is anything unique, intriguing or differentiating in the same way the Moto X lineage so often offered. In many ways that's the story of Motorola over the past couple years, but it just hits home a little heavier when we're talking about a Moto X. The Moto X4 is clearly a better phone, and better value proposition compared to the competition of the time, than any previous Moto X ever was. But that doesn't mean it'll go down in history as game-changing or industry-defining in any way.

I think we'll get over that desire for nostalgia, and just enjoy the Moto X4 for what it is: a really good phone at a compelling price, €399, with no clear shortcomings or issues. We can applaud that.

Sort of surprised you didn't note the unique BT capability. Simultaneously streaming to up to 4 devices (speakers, headphones) at the same time. That makes for a nice party feature with multiple rooms getting the same stream without other hardware, or sharing a video/tunes with a friend without sharing earbuds or kludging wired splitters.
Hopefully this is a software implementation, not something that takes multiple or special BT radios, so others can rip it off. ;)

Also of note and pertaining to Tim3tripp3r's comment, the areas where Motorola focused its efforts on this Moto X are different from all of the previous Moto X's, but most notably different with the 2014 and 2015 Moto X's which overall were similar. The previous Moto X smartphones' highlights were the processors (MSM8974AC SD801 on Moto X 2014 [high end, under 805], MSM8992 SD808 on the X Pure [fast, but not flagship fast]), displays (Big, beautiful QHD LCD on the X Pure), and customization (Moto Maker). This device uses an upper-midrange processor instead of a high-end one like the 2014 Moto X, and the display is a conservative 5.2" 1080p LCD, but this Moto X focuses more effort on design (metal and glass), camera (dual setup with good hardware that might just be a really good setup + upgraded ISP in SD630), and probably longevity (3000mAh battery paired with an efficient processor on a 5.2" 1080p screen might make for a very efficient combo, in contrast with the small batteries and short battery life of the 2014 and 2015 Moto X).

I consider myself a Hardcore Motorola fan as I've had 4 of their phones in the past 5 years. But seriously Motorola, the lineup of phones is so complicated and all over the place. And this phone doesn't illicit the same charm I felt when I had my Bamboo covered Moto X from 2013.

I find it odd that you make no mention of the Moto X Play (XT1563) (released in Aug 15) that is the X4's direct predecessor.
These are the only X series mid tier phones to date with Snapdragon 600 series SoC and that came with LCD screens. Not to mention that the X Play came with a larger battery (3630?) than the X Style /Pure. That's why I see a direct line between the X Play and the X4. In Canada the X Play retailed for 415~ CAD (2015).
In the USA (I'm Canadian) I believe that most users would be more familiar with the X Style/ Pure that was released in the same time frame. I would guess that the brain trust at Lenovo had some reason for not calling it the X Play2 seeing as they have G series Play model as well as Z series Play models.
The glass back on the X4 takes it off my list of phones that I'd like to buy.

This device, while I see your correlation here, seems more like a direct successor to neither. This phone is a premium mid-range device, whereas the X Play is squarely mid-range and the X Pure, while also "premium mid-range", was moreso lower-high end purely based on its screen and processor. Two of the Moto X's of 2015 had LCD screens (X Play, X Style) while the X force/DT2, whose descendants are the Moto Z's, was the flagship with the OLED screen. The closest successor to the X Play, as of today, would be the Moto G5S+, since the mid-range category contains phones mainly using the SD625. This remark seems stupid since most people think the SD630 does little more than the SD625...right? Wrong. The 630 has about the same CPU speed as the SD626, as the SD625/626 have CPUs that were also fast for being mid-range processors of 2016, and still are today...but the 630 has a much faster GPU (about as fast as the SD650/652/653), newer, much faster RAM, faster storage capability, and all of the other microprocessors have been upgraded and updated. The SD660 is to the 835 what the 808 was to the 810, but the SD625/626 are to the 835 what the 615/616 was to the 810, since the mid-range seems to move slower generationally, and the 630 and 660 seem kind of like the SD650 and 652/653 in how they fit in the lineup. I said all that to say this: the Moto X4 has no direct predecessor, maybe except the original Moto X; I don't even know about that. However, it is closest to the X Style/Pure of all the Moto X's of 2015, given it's somewhere in between mid-range and premium. I am open to buying one of these on two conditions: If it's either released unlocked or if it's released on Fi. But, I hate glass backs too so if I did get one, it would have to be in the case or in a skin 24/7/365.

Less megapixels than my 2nd gen Moto X Pure, which is really disappointing. Without an optical zoom, I've come to rely on 21MP, as I can crop out whatever I need.

I've been waiting for a worthy upgrade, but this isn't it. Also, I like my phones white in the front (the back is in a case), with an SD card slot, and can't stand Samsung, which limits my choices. Any ideas, anyone?

These phones don't have the physical space inside for a larger sensor. So when you do more pixels in the same physical size, each of the pixels has to get smaller. For the most part, that means worse performance because the sensor is taking in less light.

Now of course it's all a huge balancing act. You can get a slightly larger camera sensor, or a brighter lens, or OIS ... and each of these things would reduce your dependance on larger pixels. But operating within the constraints of sensor size, an easy improvement is simply dropping to a smaller MP count to increase pixel size.

Yeah you're at a physics limit. You're cramming all these pixels onto super tiny sensors. Heck, some would argue 21MP is overkill on DSLR's and other large sensor cameras if you're just an amateur and make reasonable print sizes. And these sensors on phones are only a super tiny fraction of the size of those larger sensor cameras. Generally speaking, the more megapixels on a smaller sensor creates the possibility for more noise in pictures especially the lower the light goes.

These small sensors truly should have smaller megapixel counts like the 12MP you're seeing here. That will assist in getting better image quality.

This isn't some new thing. This has been around since the dawn of cameras...lol

That has brought us thin to the point of ridiculous (not to mention loss of the audio jack), camera gimmicks, backwards buttons, no bezels, glass backs, metal backs, sparkly backs, magnet backs that aren't included in the box, software gimcrackery galore, big screens, giant screens, etc...

I for one applaud Moto for keeping true to a vision of simple and useful software. Some people enjoy consistency.

But the things that made the original Moto X phones unique, intriguing and differentiated were none of the issues you point to. That was kind of the whole idea of the line. They managed to do cool new things that weren't necessarily industry trends (thin, light, no headphone jack, etc.) but still came together to be a great combination.

Moto had the near unlimited customization of your phone that made it appealing. And despite having less raw specs it ran just as buttery smooth as the LG G2, Galaxy S4, and Nexus 5 of it's time. The camera while average, pushed the envelope in terms of trying to innovate.

Sigh. Reading Comprehension buddy. I'll give you some other examples. Remember the HTC One M8 and it's Ultra Pixel back in 2014? Theoretically it had lower megapixels than the competition however it let in more light in comparison to other phones of it's time. At the end of the end of the day it was a mediocre camera however it tried to do something no one else was doing.

LG early last year with the LG G5, it included modular add-ons. While no one really brought any Mods it was a cool concept and LG tried to innovate, again, no one else was doing that.

Therefore you thinking my comment is bizarre makes absolutely no sense as you can push new technology and concepts but fail in execution.

The best phone I ever owned is the 2013 Moto X and it only comes in second to the Palm Pre 3 I wanted to buy that HP killed off a week before it was due to ship (ROT IN HELL,HP!!!).

To anyone reading this that is a former 2013 Moto X owner. If you loved your phone as much as I do and end up getting this Moto X4 can you please write a review about the software experience and how close it is to the original Moto X And I am not talking about a review after a week or so of use. Give it a few months after the phone settles in like your favorite old pair of jeans. You know what I am talking about, the Moto X does not really begin to shine once dialed in just the way you like it and I want that feeling back.

Oh and if you are wondering why I haven't bought one of the current offerings, I hate the fact that Motorola is putting out these big skinny phones with tiny batteries, and I don't want to mod my phone.

I know exactly what you mean! I was a huuuuge fan of the Moto X 2013 (minus the camera) but you have to realize Motorola is only the same company in name these days and not much else. Lenovo ended up firing most of the Chicago based engineering team and send nearly all their jobs to China. You could clearly see the difference in their products too, the radio reception in the 2016+ devices just aren't as good as they used to be. Neither are the speakerphone and audio recording. It's really sad what happened to one of the key innovators of the whole mobile industry!! Sanjay Jah was the guy who really sabotaged Moto in favor of a quick buck by positioning the company for quick sale.

I'm still sporting the Moto X '13 too. I could see updating to the X4; we'll see. No need to rush into these things. The X13 is only four years old. I know a four year old phone is like a museum piece to most readers here, but I don't have a problem with it. I think it's a testament to how good the phone was in the first place.

Lover of the Original Moto X here!! Unfortunately the Moto X4 doesn't have that alluring charm that made me fall in love. I really wish they would have done a "remix" of the original and just added current specs while maintaining the unlimited customization along with a huge battery. Instant Buy.

Very nice looking phone. Dual rear cameras are still gimmicky, with LG making the best use of the tech. I'm interested in seeing reviews of this phone once they make it into the hands of the tech bloggers.

I'm warning you again folks, absolutely do not buy a phone with a glass back! I fell for it and bought an HTC U11, which immediately slipped, fell and broke. Think about it -- a phone with a glass back? Stupidest design feature of all time, no contest. You drop it once, it's toast. Don't buy into this fantasy of style over function. You have been warned!

+RK928
In case you haven't noticed, there is glass on the front of the phone. Who knew?!
By it's very nature any phone that has a glass surface - essentially all phones - makes it fragile to begin with. Drop ANY phone and it may break. Act accordingly and use a case.
Also, wireless charging, heard of it? Metal backs do not work with wireless charging.

HTC doesn't embed the glass within the metal like Samsung and LG does. A glass backed phone will almost certainly chip or crack when it falla barring extreme luck or circumstances but when it's laid on top of the metal like HTC does, the damage will be significantly worse.

Yeah, it's a little awkward and confusing. Although Moto's sales are so regionalized, is there anywhere where all of their mid-rangers are available at once? In the US, I think the only phones available in the $250-450 range are the G5 and X4.